7 days Bali - Flores – Bali

Journeys along the Lesser Sunda Islands remain among our favorite itineraries and for good reasons. Few areas in Asia can lay claim to such cultural and natural diversity: towering active volcanoes, jungle-clad mountain ranges, and dry savannah, teeming with wildlife, quiet coastal villages, emerald seas, megalithic cultures, colorful market places, tribal rituals and architecture, not to mention a world of kaleidoscopic beauty under water. This cruise will cover a. o. the Komodo area for a couple of days of snorkeling, beach combing and hiking through one of the most beautiful National Parks of Indonesia.

Day One

At around 08.30 am, board the yacht at Benoa, settle in and sail to Gili Trawangan for swimming, snorkeling, diving (optional, it has o be booked in advanced) and beach-combing. Late afternoon onward sailing to Sumbawa.

Day Two

Arrive at Pulau Bungin a tiny island, populated by ‘sea-gypsies’ (bajao). We stroll through narrow streets lined up by houses on stilts to outsmart the incoming tide. Performance of traditional music and dance. Onward sailing to Pulau Moyo. At the South point of Moyo we spend a few hours relaxing, swimming and snorkeling. Night sailing to The Komodo.

Day Three

Rinca Island, the second biggest in the Komodo archipelago, is also the richest in terms of fauna. We will go trekking and look for wild horses, water buffalo, wild boar, monkeys, and of course the famous ‘Komodo dragons’ in spectacular scenery of savannah and emerald coves. Around noon sail to ‘Sabolon’, a famous reef with a huge variety of live coral and beautiful fish. Snorkeling, diving (optional, it has to be booked in advanced) and beach-exploration. In the afternoon proceed to the Riung archipelago, north of Flores.

Day Four

Late morning arrival in Labuhanbajo. Here we will tour to a nearby village to attend the so-called caci (whip-) dance for which the Manggarai district of Flores enjoys national fame. Midday sail to Bidadari Island, swimming, snorkeling, exploring the interior. Afternoon sail to Komodo; spend a quiet night in the bay of Komodo island.

Day Five

Morning arrival in Komodo Island. Another opportunity to catch a glimpse of, or even stumble over the last representative of the Jurassic Park on earth, the infamous Komodo dragon. Midday sail to Red Beach, another breathtaking desert island where the beaches are red-coloured by pulverized red coral. In the afternoon visit of Gili Lawa to hike the local summit and enjoy a splendid panorama over the moonscape islands of the Komodo Archipelago and the mainland of Flores. Late afternoon setting sail, headed west.

Day Six

Morning arrive in Satonda, the top of an extinct volcano. We will visit the crater lake in the centre of the island, where we may meet colonies of flying foxes after a short walk. An afternoon of relaxation on the beautifully wild beach of Satonda and of lazy floating on the gentle currents over a stunning reef drop just off the coastline. Afternoon sailing to Pulau Kromo. Here we will have our farewell party with the crew, possibly witnessed by thousands of fruit bats crossing to the mainland looking for night shelter. Evening sailing to Nara Bay (North West Lombok).

Day Seven

After an early morning breakfast we have a half day tour over West-Lombok, meeting the local monkeys and see the process of local palm sugar plantations. Before lunch we re-embark the Yacht to set sail to Benoa harbour, southeast Bali. Arrival in Benoa before sunset. End of the cruise, individual transfer to hotel or airport.